Anesthetic Protection of Neurons Injured by Hypothermia and Rewarming

Abstract

Anesthetic protection of neurons rewarmed from 4°C involves suppression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated Ca overload in neurons undergoing ATP loss and excitotoxicity. Unlike during hypoxia/ischemia, anesthetic agents acting predominantly on γ-aminobutyric acid receptors do not protect against PH/RW. The durability of anesthetic protection against cold injury may be limited.